Pep Guardiola has already delivered his verdict on Manchester United target Moussa Dembele

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has previously described Manchester United target Moussa Dembele as 'exceptional'.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Friday, United have made initial enquiries into signing the Frenchman this coming summer. United, amongst other objectives, are set to prioritise the signing of a striker in the upcoming transfer window as they look to give their frontline a fresh look.

It comes after interim manager Ralf Rangnick, who oversaw a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, advised the club they should look to bring in a younger striker. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 37, and Edinson Cavani, who turned 35 last month, are both entering the latter stages of their respective careers and United will soon be in need of some fresh energy.

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Dembele, formerly of Fulham and Celtic, is one of several players that United are keeping a watchful eye on, but they are firmly interested in his signature. However, he would likely be considered as a squad player at Old Trafford instead of being a regular starter.

He joined Lyon in 2018 from Celtic and has since scored 54 goals in 130 appearances in all competitions, including nine in 22 matches this season. Whilst his record this term has not been blistering, he is a hugely talented player and was lavished with praise by City chief Guardiola back in 2016.

The Catalan hailed Dembele's qualities ahead of a Champions League clash between City and Celtic. He had scored twice against City in a 3-3 draw in September and had caught the Blues boss' eye ahead of the second group stage meeting between the two clubs.

"If you read the